Ive been looking at getting an electric starter but have held off because I'm not sure what kind of spinner I would need. Some of the ones I see advertised just dont seem strong enough to use a starter with, like the snap-on plastic ones. Do I need one of those expensive aluminum spinners or will a cheaper plastic one work. If so, what kind is best? I have an MDS .48, Any recommendations?

Pretty much any spinner will work. I would advise against the snap-on spinners anyway, just because anything that's spinning at 10K plus rpm should be bolted! But you certainly don't need a top 'o the line metal spinner. Not yet, anyway.


Andy

All of the plastic spinners I have used have been fine. I have used both types (snap-on and screwed on). I have never had anyproblems with either type. I do prefer the screwed on type but that is just my opinion.

You don't really need a spinner to use an electric starter. The rubber drive cup will reverse and will usually fit the prop nut and will drive the engine by just pressing against the prop.

Unless you're going for a scale look you might want to consider a Dubro spinner nut. They are simple. Look good. And they are safe. They can also help balance a model that is a little tail heavy.

I got rid of all my plastic spinners and I use Dubro aluminum spinner nuts. They are lighter too. I normally install a Higley lite-lock followed by the spinner nut

The only thing about plastic spinners and electric starters is that the starter can mar the spinner. If you're careful and don't jam the starter on the spinner - especially when the engine is hydro-locked or even severely flooded, then you can melt rings in the spinner.

But all the spinners I've used (about everything available) has worked fine.

BTW - Dubro spinner nuts are light. They won't help correct a tail-heavy condition. A regular spinner is a lot heavier than the dubro nuts. If you need nose weight, then the Higgley Heavy Hub and a snap on plastic spinner (if it will fit over the nut) is the way to go.

I've used a couple of different spinners.. the Dubro plastic ones seem to stand up better to starter abuse than some of the others. Yes, they will eventually get marred by the starter, but if you're finding it's happening too easily, make sure your starter drive cone is clean(no oil,grit etc in it) and/or get another softer drive cone.

I second the Higly nut option. I have used them for many years with no problems. I have used only 1 spinner in all the years. It was a good one. i used a TRu-Turn on my US 60 because it needed one. The TT is aluminum and works flawlessly.

Mark Shuman

PS: I have seen lots of plastic ones come unglued at the field. I don't care for them. This is my opinion only.

My spinners get almost no marring from the starter. The ones that seem to get marked up the worst?, the spinners of guys who insist on geting the starter spinning and then jamming it against the spinner.

Plastic spinners are fine.
Dennis-

Ditto the Dubro prop nut. Works great with an electric starter. Simple, effective, inexpensive, indestructable.

That's what I meant. I hand start most of my engines, so it's not even an issue. I almost always use aluminum spinners or spinner nuts on planes that I have to use an electric starter on.

I always thought that looked a little odd and unnecissary when people did that.